Larry E. Sims

Larry E. Sims, 85, of Drums, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his residence in Drums, following a courageous battle with cancer and kidney disease. 

Born in Hazleton, July 27, 1940, he was the son of the late Emerson E. and Lucille E. (Schwartz) Sims and spent the past 74 years in Drums, after moving from Hazleton, PA.
 

Larry was a 1958 graduate of Hazleton High School.  After graduation he entered the US Navy where he received continuing education and became a Seaman 3rd Class providing naval support in London, England from 1958 to 1961.  He was very proud of his service to our country, and the top secret work he assisted with. 

He was employed as a Manager of Quality Control for Dorr-Oliver Inc, Hazleton for 38 years and after was employed at Lowe’s in the plumbing department, and as Butler Twp. Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer.  Larry was a longtime and active member of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Johns, and past President and life member of Butler Twp. Fire Company.  He coached Valley East Little League for several years; and was a member of the Clearwater Fishing Club.  In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling in his RV, and working on various projects throughout his home.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his sister, Lucille J. Boyer, and his faithful Golden Retrievers, Brandy, Chase, and Jake.

Surviving are his adoring wife of 59 years, the former Mary Ellen Mundie, to whom he was married on September 24, 1966 in St. Johns; two sons, Darren E. Sims, Shickshinny; and Brent J. Sims, Mountain Top; two nephews, William "Billy" Boyer, Jr. and wife Marie, Drums; and Larry Boyer and wife Mary, Drums; several great-nieces and nephews and extended family; and his devoted Golden Retriever, Dexter. 

His funeral will be held with a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11 AM in St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, 772 St. Johns Rd, St. Johns, PA 18247.  Interment will take place in St. Johns Cemetery.  Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning from 10 AM until the time of the service.  Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. (East), 669 W. Butler Dr, Drums, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to the James and Priscilla Mundie Memorial Fund at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, PO Box 2, Saint Johns, PA 18247. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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